A provincial court judge tasked with being the first to decide whether the sentencing of a Stanley Cup rioter should be broadcasted has indicated, he’s going to say no.
Judge Malcolm Maclean spent nearly three hours hearing arguments before announcing he needs more time to make an “Informed decision.”
He’s not willing to postpone Tuesday’s sentencing of 20 year old Ryan Dickinson of Coquitlam who vandalized a car at the June 15th riot.
Maclean also voiced a number of concerns including the possibility of broadcasted images being manipulated, the acquittal of a convict on appeal and the safety of court officials who may face death threats.
Other arguments have been made about the costs involved considering every rioter must be dealt with on a case by case basis and defence counsel Greg Delbigio’s suggestion this application from the Christy Clark government has been politically motivated.
On Monday afternoon, Maclean is expected outline his reasons for possibly banning cameras from his courtroom.